Chapter three

A week later

10am

Ethereal Touch cosmetics company parking lot.

Sophie had spent the past week staying indoors to make a draft out her plans for the future, her revenge on Ethan but today she decided to show up at her father's company. 

She tried to calm her nerves before stepping out of the car, her trembling hands clasped together as she took a deep breath.

Today marked her first public appearance in three years. In the past, Sophie had little interest in the business world or the family companies, which had always left her in the shadow of her brothers' fame. But now that she was back, she was determined to make her presence known and seize every opportunity to make her mark.

The old chauffeur who held the door opened, smiled down at her— even he can feel her uneasiness. "Miss Burnett," he called softly, jolting her out of her reverie.

She glanced up at him, forcing a smile. "Thank you, Josh." She exhaled again before stepping out of the car.

Sophie walked towards the private entrance, avoiding the main one where a throng of journalists had gathered, eager to snap pictures and grab interviews with the youngest daughter of the Burnett family. Despite her father's suggestion to introduce her to the public, Sophie had refused; she wasn't ready yet or perhaps she wasn't strong enough yet.

As she got off the elevator, she was greeted with an unexpected sight that almost made her jumped out of her wits. 

"Good morning, Miss Burnett," the throngs of employees chorused. 

She steadied herself before responding. "Good morning, everyone." She forced a smile, before quickly disappearing from the hallway and entered into her office.

She sighed, leaning against the door. How's she supposed to handle the overwhelming fame and responsibilities? She had been so accustomed to her role as a housewife that this world felt foreign.

Walking around the room, she admired the exquisite decor, eventually stopping by the window to gaze at the Belgium skyline.

Ethan crossed her mind again. That bastard. If she were to still be in the Crawford mansion by now, she'd be probably making breakfast or tidying up the house. She stared down at her roughned fingers, and a tear slipped down her cheeks.

Why couldn't he love her? Why wasn't she enough for him? But then just as quickly as it came, the thoughts vanished replaced by anger and hatred as her resolve hardened. She'll make him pay. 

A knock came on the door. Quickly, she wiped away the tears and called out, her voice steady.

Cameilla came inside. A smile tugged at Sophie's lips as she walked into her embrace. "Hey Sophie," Cameilla held her tightly. "Thank you for giving me this job."

"It's fine, Sophie. I can't think of anyone else to be my personal assistant other than you." Sophie had reached out to Camellia the day before, offering her the position, and Camellia had accepted without hesitation.

They disengage from the hug, and took a seat. Camellia noticed Sophie's melancholy and squeezed her hands gently.

"Sophie," she called softly. "Forget about that bastard—he doesn't even deserve you."

Sophie nodded, forcing a smile. "I will. It's....." her voice broke, tears streaming down. "It's just hurt. I wasted three years of my life, Cam. Three years loving him shamelessly, ignoring the snide remarks and condescension from people."

"It's fine. You shouldn't be the one hurting, Sophie. Let him be the one to suffer." 

Sophie wiped off the tears, smiling weakly. "You're right."

Camellia grinned. "Good. Now, we’re going to the club tonight. No arguments."

Though hesitant, Sophie relented, laughing as they reminisced about old times.

After a while, Cameilla excused herself—she needed to see her brothers. Although they've been busy with business travels and all that, but it's strange that they haven't come to see her since she got back. 

As she stepped into the hallway, her eyes drifted to Xander Burnett, the eldest son office. She had the intention of going in, but as she approached, she heard the hushed voices of a few employees.

"Did you hear? She's back, after all these years," one lady whispered, her voice thick with judgement.

"Yeah," another chimed in, "probably thinks she can just waltz in here and take over because her daddy’s famous. How long until she ruins everything?"

The words stung more than Sophie anticipated. She pressed her lips together, trying to stay calm and to not let their whispers get to her. But the whispers won't go away.

"She's not cut out for this," the first voice came again. "What makes her think she can suddenly handle everything when she can't even manage her own Life?"

Sophia's hand tightened around the door handle, she didn't open it. But just as she turned to walk away, she bumped into someone—hard.

Startled, Sophie looked up ready to apologise, only to freeze when she saw who it was. 

"Sophie! Alexander!!" They both chorused.

Alexander Beaumont.

He stood tall and commanding, his sharp, chiseled features framed by an air of quiet confidence. His piercing, deep-set eyes locked onto Sophie, holding an enigmatic allure that made her breath hitch.

"She's still as stunning as ever," he thought, his gaze sweeping over her smooth skin and curvaceous figure. From the moment he stepped into the hallway, his eyes had been drawn to her, lingering on the perfect silhouette—only to realize now it was Sophie.

For a moment, he said nothing, his gaze flicking towards the group of whispering employees and then back to Sophie.

"Seems like you've made quite the impression," he remarked dryly, his tone smooth as silk. 

She quickly straightened up, her heart racing. "I—" she stopped, not wanting to show any more vulnerability. "They're entitled to their own opinion," her voice was colder than she had intended. "I'm not here for them."

Alexander didn't seem to be in a hurry to walk away. He stood there, observing her carefully. "Be careful, Miss Burnett. The business world doesn't care about feelings. You have to be tougher to survive."

His words rang in her ears as he walked past her, the faintest trace of a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. Sophie stood frozen, her pulse quickening. Encountering her former betrothed, and in her lowest state wasn't exactly a moment of pride.

Finally, she turned and walked away.

******

Camellia and Sophie sat at a table in a dimly lit bar, the hum of chatter and music filling the air. Her mind kept replaying Xander's harsh words, his cold tone cutting deeper than she cared to admit. She stirred her drinks absentmindedly, her gaze distant.

"Sophie, you've barely said a word tonight," Cameilla said, leaning forward. "Are you okay?"

Sophie forced a smile. "I'm fine really. Just a lot on mind."

Camellia wasn't convinced but decided not to push. "You've been through a lot. But you are here now and that's all that mattered."

Sophie nodded. She took a sip of her cocktail hoping it would ease the tightness in her heart. 

Moments later, Cameilla's phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen and sighed. "It’s my friend. I promised to meet her for a quick chat. Do you mind if I step out for a bit?"

Sophie shook her head. "Go ahead. I'll be fine."

Cameilla hesistated, then stood up. "Don't run off, okay. I'll be back soon."

As soon as Cameilla left, Sophie exhaled deeply and leaned back on the couch. The alcohol warmed her but doing little to dull the ache in her chest.

"Rough night?"

The smooth, familiar voice made her stiffen. She turned to see Alexander standing by her table, his piercing eyes fixed on her.

"What are you doing here?" She asked , her tone defensive.

"I could ask you the same, but I won't." He took the seat across from her without invitation, his expression calm.

Sophie rolled her eyes but she didn't have the energy to argue. Instead she took another sip of her drink, the alcohol loosening her tongue. "I'm drowning, Alexander," she said softly, surprising even herself.

Alexander leaned forward, his gaze intense. "Tell me."

Sophie hesitated, but the mix of pain and alcohol made it easier to speak. "I thought coming back would fix everything. But...I'm hurting. I don't even know how to face my family anymore."

Alexander listened silently, his eyes never leaving her face. For three years, he seems to still harbour the same feelings for her. In the past she had rejected him, even without meeting eachother once. Maybe he should have chased her then. Maybe he shouldn't have allowed his pride to get the best of him.

Sophie continued. "I gave up everything for him. But now that I'm here to put my life together, it feels like it's too late."

Alexander hands brushed hers. "It's not too late, Sophie."

She looked at him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "You don't understand. I'm broken."

"You are not broken, Sophie. You're stronger than you think," Alexander said firmly. "And I understand more than you realise."

For a moment, they sat in silence, the music of the bar fading into the background. Sophie felt a strange comfort in his presence, a warmth she hasn't felt in years.

The alcohol and the emotions swirled inside her and before she could stop herself, she whispered. "Make love to me."

Alexander froze, his eyes widening slightly. No, Sophie. We can't —"

"Please," she interrupted, her voice trembling. "I need to feel something else other than this pain. Just for tonight."